Pakistan : Jilani raises rice exporters concerns with SBP
A REAP delegation led by Senior Vice Chairman Javed Jilani met SBP Governor Jameel Ahmad to address rice exporters’ issues. Ahmad ordered removal of shipment penalties, clarified ERF availability, and sought evidence on inflated exchange rates by shipping firms. He also assured resolution of exporters’ pending payments in Lebanon.
KARACHI – A high-level delegation of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP), led by Senior Vice Chairman Javed Jilani, met with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmad to discuss pressing issues confronting rice exporters.
The delegation comprised key REAP figures, including Managing Committee Members Rafique Suleman, Mahesh Kumar, Hasab Rauf, SBP Convenor Mohammad Shahid Memon, Habib Molvi, Member Faisal Gharib, and Syed Badaruddin Chishti.
Jilani thanked the SBP governor for granting the meeting and detailed the hurdles faced by rice exporters. He specifically urged the removal of penalties imposed on Rice shipments, which were delaying consignments to international buyers. Responding promptly, the governor issued immediate instructions for lifting the penalty. Jilani also extended an invitation to the governor to visit the REAP office in Karachi.
Faisal Gharib drew attention to the limited access to the Export Refinance Facility (ERF) by certain banks. The SBP governor clarified that banks had been allocated sufficient ERF limits and encouraged exporters to lodge complaints if any bank refused the facility.
During the meeting, Rafique Suleman raised the issue of shipping companies charging exchange rates significantly higher—by Rs10–12—than the prevailing rate. The governor advised REAP to provide documented evidence so the central bank could initiate penal action. Suleman also highlighted long-pending payments of rice exporters in Beirut, Lebanon, which the SBP assured would be resolved on a priority basis.
The meeting concluded with Jilani and Rafique Suleman presenting a floral bouquet to the SBP governor, reaffirming REAP’s commitment to working with the central bank for the betterment of Pakistan’s Rice export industry.
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Source : PK Revenue
